Book Description
The Lobotomist explores one of the darkest chapters of American medicine: the desperate attempt to treat the hundreds of thousands of psychiatric patients in need of help during the middle decades of the twentieth century. Into this crisis stepped Walter Freeman, M.D., who saw a solution in lobotomy, a brain operation intended to reduce the severity of psychotic symptoms. Drawing on Freeman’s documents and interviews with Freeman's family, Jack El-Hai takes a penetrating look at the life and work of this complex scientific genius.
The Lobotomist explores one of the darkest chapters of American medicine: the desperate attempt to treat the hundreds of thousands of psychiatric patients in need of help during the middle decades of the twentieth century. Into this crisis stepped Walter Freeman, M.D., who saw a solution in lobotomy, a brain operation intended to reduce the severity of psychotic symptoms. Although many patients did not benefit from the thousands of lobotomies Freeman performed, others believed their lobotomies changed them for the better. Drawing on a rich collection of documents Freeman left behind and interviews with Freeman's family, Jack El-Hai takes a penetrating look into the life of this complex scientific genius and traces the physician's fascinating life and work.
Customer Reviews:
Very interesting but...........2007-10-12
I had never heard of Dr. Freeman before and therefore was very interested in reading about him. However, this book does go on for a while. It tends to be quite repetitive in some places and just when you think you are going to go into another phase of his life, it backtracks. It is taking me a little to get thru it but, it is interesting all the same.
One of the strangest, most engrossing books I've ever read.......2007-10-10
The Lobotomist by Jack El-Hai can be recommended for its wealth of detailed information. The author has researched the subject very extensively with over three hundred footnotes and six pages of bibliography. The subject matter is engrossing and, at least to me, poses the moral dilemma of whether or not, if in the same position as Walter Freeman, I would perform lobotomies.His results ranged from the disastrous to the miraculous. If one were faced with a life in an institution would one opt for psychosurgery?
Given that the information and subject matter is worthy of a read, the author's style is the strangest I've ever encountered. The reviews of this book are impressive. The author's credentials seem impeccable. He is, or was, the President of the American Society of Journalists, has published extensively and received several awards.
Nevertheless, I would have to term Mr. El-Hai's style as that of a writer with literary Tourette's Syndrome!Examples abound. On page 20: "At one point, stress from his heavy workload produced in him a painful three-day-long suppression of his urine."Page 37: "After attended a chorus rehearsal, he kissed a girl for the first time." Page 62: ""...Freeman was impressed by her good figure and healthy head of hair."On page 216, discussing a woman patient of his: "...eventually became an accomplished weight lifter."On page 276, discussing a former patient, El-Hai says: "He found that her obsessive need to recall names of people and places was confining her to her home, where she ate too much angel food cake...". Numerous other "non-sequiturs" abound.
His style reminds me of a schoolboy who had a writing assignment that had to contain a minimum number of pages "padding" his text. Obviously, Mr. El-Hai had no need to increase the page count of a book that exceeds 350 pages.
In conclusion, the life of Walter Freeman and others who either endorsed or condemned his methods is fascinating and enlightening. I just can't understand the glowing reviews and where oh where was Eric Nelson, his editor?
Not a fan.......2007-06-27
Everyone seems to really like this book. I didn't. The story itself is interesting, but the book gets too bogged down in minute details that, at times, border on boring. Also - and this is just a matter of personal taste - I found that the man in the book was so arrogant that his arrogance actually distracted me from enjoying the book. The ethical issues addressed are interesting and disturbing.
Okay, what REALLY happened to those patients?.......2007-02-14
I'm guessing they were more likely to end up like Rosemary Kennedy (he did her lobotomy and left her permanently and totally disabled) than Ellen Ionesco, who apparently leads a relatively normal life as she approaches her 90s. But it was the best thing medical science had to offer at the time.
The stories about Dr. Freeman's personal life tended towards the dull and repetitive, possibly excepting the death of his son Keen, for which he always felt responsible and never forgave himself, and his wife's own descent into alcoholism.
A far better (but definitely much harder to find!) book is Paul de Kruif's "A Man Against Insanity", whose concepts were as simplistic but hey, he tried.
He was a neurologist and NOT a psychiatrist.......2007-01-14
I bought this book out of professional interest for the subject. The text flows freely throughout, and the author does a good job at describing the scientific thought process behind what Dr. Freeman pursued for much of his career. It is instructive to learn about he prevailing scientific climate at that time - which only permitted him to go forward with his 'project' rather than to rethink it before starting to cut out frontal lobes. Remarkable how little opposition came from contemporaries of Dr. Freeman, physicians and ethicists alike! Again, a sign of the times. What could psychiatry offer back then but lengthy talk therapy for which there still is no definitively positive evidence that it works, in general and especially for the severely mentally ill?
On the flipside, the book is too long and, being a visual type, I thought a few more pictures would have enhanced the reading experience considerably.
Please note that Dr. Freeman was a neurologist and neuropathologist and NOT a psychiatrist.
Book Description
This digital document is an article from Clinical Psychiatry News, published by International Medical News Group on March 1, 2005. The length of the article is 1227 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.
Citation Details
Title: 'The lobotomist'.(BOOKS, THE CHILDREN OF THE BRAIN)
Author: Rodrigo A. Munoz
Publication:
Clinical Psychiatry News (Magazine/Journal)
Date: March 1, 2005
Publisher: International Medical News Group
Volume: 33
Issue: 3
Page: 56(1)
Distributed by Thomson Gale
Book Description
To America's leaders in 1812, an invasion of Canada seemed to be "a mere matter of marching," as Thomas Jefferson confidently predicted. How could a nation of 8 million fail to subdue a struggling colony of 300,000? Yet, when the campaign of 1812 ended, the only Americans left on Canadian soil were prisoners of war. Three American armies had been forced to surrender, and the British were in control of all of Michigan Territory and much of Indiana and Ohio.
In this remarkable account of the war's first year and the events that led up to it, Pierre Berton transforms history into an engrossing narrative that reads like a fast-paced novel. Drawing on personal memoirs and diaries as well as official dispatches, the author has been able to get inside the characters of the men who fought the war — the common soldiers as well as the generals, the bureaucrats and the profiteers, the traitors and the loyalists.
Berton believes that if there had been no war, most of Ontario would probably be American today; and if the war had been lost by the British, all of Canada would now be part of the United States. But the War of 1812, or more properly the myth of the war, served to give the new settlers a sense of community and set them on a different course from that of their neighbours.
Customer Reviews:
War of Canadian Independence .......2004-09-13
A wonderful book by Canada's foremost historian commemorates the War of 1812 as Canada's War of Independence.
The War of 1812 was initiated by President Madison as a war of conquest against Ontario (or Lower Canada, as it was then known). The British forces were arrayed against various un-coordinated American attacks, and the Americans fared particularly badly in 1812-13, notably losing Detroit.
This instalment does not reach the later events of the war, in which more of a stalemate developed (and the Americans scored some big naval victories). But the Canadians never doubted that the campaigns covered in this book - of 1812-13 - had marked a long-term strategic victory, guaranteeing Canada's separate identity, and the inner leadership clique of English-speaking, ethnically Scottish Presbyterians who ran the war effort became the ruling elite of Canada for over a century (if not to this day).
Many key characters of American history come here: General (later President) Harrison; Indian chief Tecumseh; President Madison and President Jefferson. This volume, however, gives equal time (if not precedence) to the Canadian heroes of the campaigns, including in particular celebrates loyalist heroes such as Brock and Strachan. Superb account of the war's critical, indeed decisive, early years.
An excellent overview from the frontlines........2004-01-24
This volume is an excellent introduction to the War of 1812. The Canadian author maintains his objectivity throughout the volume, and gives accurate and telling details to causes, politics, and leadership on both sides of the northern North American border and how that affected the progress of the war. After reading this book, the reader will come away baffled and outraged at the level of incompetence shown on both sides (initially the US side however), and the level of audacity and caution exhibited by both sides as well. In summation, a highly recommended book, that will provide a good base upon which a detailed understanding of causes, effects, and results of many aspects of this war can be attained.
I Agree Wholeheartedly.......2001-03-22
The two reviews below are absolutely correct. Pierre Berton has written a great masterpiece of narrative history. I first read this book almost 20 years ago, and I can still recall the enjoyment it gave. This is perhaps the best book of history in terms of enjoyable reading which I have come across. The only author in the same league today is Simon Schama, and he generally works in somewhat more esoteric, less popular areas. I have also discussed the excellence of Berton's writing in a review of the companion volume Flames Across the Border: 1813-14 which, along with this text, makes up as fine a two volume set of North American history as can be obtained.
History comes to life.......2000-07-01
Best book on history I ever read. Most books on the war of 1812 focus on the 'high level' intrigue--congressional debates, executive office plotting, etc. This book focuses on the front lines. Learn about how Madison decision to appoint imcompetent generals (He didn't want the war, and it was his way of keeping it from happening) led to human suffering. Get a good sense of life on the frontier and the fear Americans had of the local Indians. Read this book.
Excellent - makes history come alive.......1998-11-02
The invasion of Canada is one of the most engrossing books on history I have ever read. Ms Berton brings to life the characters, events and atmosphere of a continet on the brink of war. This is achieved by Ms Bertons skillfull blend of historical research and artistic licence, which give even the most uninspred reader of history something to get thier "teeth into". I found it avid reading and look forward to sampling more of Ms Bertons work.
Book Description
Most federal programs are unnecessary, actively damaging, or properly the responsibility of the states or the private sector. This book examines a huge range of programs that should be cut to balance the budget and reduce taxes.
Customer Reviews:
The horrors of federal spending........2007-08-11
The book which clearly lays out the destructive spending of the federal government should be mandatory reading for all legislators, the majority of whom are theives. I urge all Americans to read it and then send a letter to their congressman demanding an immediante downsizing of federal spending before our country becomes bankrupt sending us into the most horrible depression which will take decades to recover from. Let us be concerned about our grandchildren who will live in poverty unless something is done now.
The book lays out how the downsizing can be readily accomplished.
A nice idea.......2006-12-04
Instead of advocating tax increases in the name of fiscal responsibility, this book focuses on how the bloated federal budget ($2.5 trillion in 2005, or about 20% of gross domestic product) could be reduced if our leaders put their minds to it.
Mr. Edwards argues that many current federal programs are harmful (e.g., import restrictions), unduly beneficial to special interests (agricultural subsidies, corporate welfare), and/or better left to the states (education) or private sector (rail transportation).
One special problem is government grants, which are used by the federal government to influence programs of state or local governments. Some $426 billion in grants were paid out in 2005, ranging from $186 billion for the federal share of Medicaid to "hundreds of more obscure programs that most taxpayers have never heard of." The result is to encourage overspending for the stated grant purposes, foster federal, state and local bureaucracies to document compliance with federal mandates, and reduce flexibility and innovation at the state level.
Another problem is duplication. Different federal programs often have overlapping objectives, resulting in "turf wars" and/or unnecessary costs to ensure coordination. Thus, the GAO has reported 50 different programs for the homeless in eight federal agencies, 23 programs for housing aid in four agencies, 26 programs for food and nutrition aid in six agencies, and 44 programs for employment and training services in nine agencies. If a program is ineffective or obsolete, the typical response is to create additional programs -- without eliminating the existing program.
Edwards lists more than 100 programs and agencies as candidates for elimination, with resultant savings of $380 billion per year. He also advocates cost-saving changes to entitlement programs. If all of his recommendations were implemented, the current federal deficit could be converted to a surplus without raising taxes.
Instead of streamlining the government, why not concentrate on managing its programs better? The answer is that efforts along this line, going back to the Committee of Economy and Efficiency in Government appointed by Taft in 1910, have failed repeatedly.
Is government downsizing possible? Sure, if enough people demand it, but our political leaders typically hear much more about how additional money should be spent than they do about how existing programs should be eliminated to save money.
In summary, this is a sound and useful book. Putting its recommendations into practice, however, may prove easier said than done.
Almost too easy.......2006-01-23
Edwards' take on the role of federal government, in the first few chapters, is a stunningly refreshing look at what our budget should be according to our constitution. Definitely not a partisan writer...equally blasts the GOP and Dems.
Waste not, Want not.......2006-01-03
Many believe, in some visceral way, that the federal government is beyond gargantuan, so when I came across Chris Edwards' book, Downsizing the Federal Government, I thought, "Great! Someone has done the math and put together a plan."
My second thought was, "What's his agenda?" And so I checked his bio and found that it must be a Libertarian agenda because he is Director of Tax Policy at the Cato Institute. Okay, fine, at least I know where Edwards is coming from.
Armed with this knowledge, I began to read. "Downsizing" is refreshingly accessible--the language is clear and the plentiful graphs and tables should be easily understood by readers who paid attention in high school. I detected little of the disheartening doubletalk that occurs when someone is trying to promote their own interests at your expense.
For example, I'm sure we're all in favor of cutting "wasteful" federal programs, but how do you define what is wasteful? The author defines five categories on page 3, and they do not seem to be politically or culturally overloaded.
In all, Edwards proposes about $400 billion worth of cuts. In a federal budget of $2.5 trillion, it seems a reasonable goal. Where one might expect him to slash entitlements such as Medicare, he trims. Claims are supported by data; for instance, the author suggests privatizing the air traffic control system, pointing out that it has been successfully done in Canada and other countries--at least partially--and detailing a history of poor management in the agency. On the other hand, his proposed cuts under the category of "actively damaging programs," are more difficult to evaluate, since he relies on work by other think tanks whose methodologies and points-of-view would probably be unknown to the average reader.
Edwards doesn't stop with cuts, but also advocates numerous changes to the budget process and Washington's "culture of spending".
This is a book you can dip into from time-to-time: read a bit, mull it over and jot an email to your U.S. Representative. Edwards may be spitting into the wind, but his effort is credible, the goal is worthy and the book should be widely distributed if only to jump-start some dialog on this important topic.
Book Jacket Reviews.......2005-12-23
"In this important new book, Chris Edwards provides fresh insights to understanding a Washington establishment that has grown far too big. He presents a bold and detailed plan to reduce the size of the government and take a first step to restoring America's heritage of liberty. Every taxpayer should read this book."
John Berthoud, President, National Taxpayers Union
"In an era of rapid technology change and business innovation, the federal government remains a bloated and duplicative dinosaur. Chris Edwards brilliantly shows us how to downsize its operations and makes a convincing case that 'less is more' when it comes to government. This is the blueprint for reform that should be read by every American interested in policy and every candidate for Congress and the presidency."
Donald Lambro, Chief Political Correspondent, Washington Times
"A responsible program-by-program set of proposals to get the federal government within reasonable limits. Utopian, indeed, but only to those who are blind to the dystopia that looms."
James M. Buchanan, Nobel Laureate in Economics
"One of the great disappointments of Republican rule is the failure to get spending under control. In this well-researched book, Chris Edwards shows one way, and there are others. Such proposals need to be taken seriously to put the federal budget on a sustainable path."
James C. Miller III, Director, White House Office of Management and Budget, 1985-1988
"Yes, government is fat and this book prescribes a radical diet, plus surgery, to get its weight down. Many will take offense at some of the proposed spending cuts, but the need for America to start living within its means cannot be denied. Read this book to see how deep our fiscal hole is and one brave and bruising way out."
Representative Jim Cooper (D-TN)
"Most conservatives wave their arms about cutting spending, but do nothing. Chris Edwards has finally shown how it can be done."
Isabel V. Sawhill, Vice President and Director, Economic Studies, Brookings Institution
"Spending is criticized in the aggregate by people who go wild on the particulars. Can federal spending be contained? This book gives you a detailed plan for doing just that. Please, members of Congress, read this book and act accordingly."
George P. Shultz, former Secretary of State, Secretary of the Treasury, and White House budget director
Average customer rating:
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Downsizing Science: Will the United States Pay a Price?
Kenneth M. Brown
Manufacturer: American Enterprise Institute Press
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Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0844740276 |
Average customer rating:
- Are there any real solutions for federal downsizing?
|
Downsizing the Federal Government: The Management of Public Sector Workforce Reductions (Bureaucracies, Public Administration, and Public Policy)
Vernon Dale Jones
Manufacturer: M.E. Sharpe
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 0765601184 |
Customer Reviews:
Are there any real solutions for federal downsizing?.......2000-04-14
The main contributions the author, Vernon Dale Jones, makes to the study of the bureaucracy in Downsizing the Federal Government: The Management of the Public Sector Workforce Reductions are twofold. First, the author summarizes and contrasts the various attempts made over the past thirty years to reduce the federal bureaucracy. Second, the author provides the reader with an excellent bibliography on the subject of public sector downsizing. Although the author takes great pains to explain the theoretical framework behind the book, the methodology behind his study and the relevance of this work to the field of public administration the reader tends to become distracted by these references and explanations and finds it difficult to identify any relevant practical solutions to the problem of the inevitable decrease of the federal bureaucracy.
Average customer rating:
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Downsizing the United States Government: A Manager's Perspective
Albert G. Young
Manufacturer: Common Sense Pub. Co.
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Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0964139707 |
Book Description
The federal government has bitten off more medical, social and retirement programs than it can chew and will be in fiscal hot water before long. This book attempts to accomplish three things: Besides suggesting a way to cope with the federal government's enormous financial obligations and ways to improve the producer/eater ratio, it also outlines a way for ordinary American people to nominate and elect government officials who will be more responsive to people than they are today. The book is replete with thoughts about what to do and how to do it. None of the solutions proposed is really novel, but most of them do involve a significant departure from the way things are done today. Some of the ideas propounded can be implemented at this time. Others cannot and must await the proper economic, political, and social climate, but I have set them out, nonetheless, so that when the time does come - as it surely will - they will be available for anyone who believes they have merit. If nothing else, I hope they will inspire the commencement of some fresh thinking in these areas by others. The obstacles to making the changes are admittedly colossal, but the task is not impossible. It requires merely a widespread effort by ordinary people with focus and perseverance.
Book Description
This digital document is an article from The Public Manager, published by Bureaucrat, Inc. on December 22, 2003. The length of the article is 4809 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.
Citation Details
Title: Federal workforce downsizing during the 1990s: a human capital disaster; How downsizing has led to significant skill imbalances, a loss of institutional memory, and other adverse consequences at specific federal agencies and within the government-wide procurement workforce.(Human Resources Management)
Author: Joseph A. Pegnato
Publication:
The Public Manager (Refereed)
Date: December 22, 2003
Publisher: Bureaucrat, Inc.
Volume: 32
Issue: 4
Page: 26(6)
Distributed by Thomson Gale
Average customer rating:
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Philips Color Star Atlas
John Cox
Manufacturer: Kalmbach Pub Co
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ASIN: 0913135089 |
Average customer rating:
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Philips Color Star Atlas
Manufacturer: Kalmbach Publishing Company
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